Budd-Chiari syndrome from an advanced practice nurse perspective.

PURPOSE: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with a case study and literature review of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). This rare liver disease has a multitude of clinical presentations that NPs may encounter in the primary care setting.

DATA SOURCE: A literature search was conducted in Pub-Med and CINAHL using key search words. Information for the case study was obtained from a patient and his gastroenterology specialist, who is a foremost expert in this field.

CONCLUSION

BCS is complex and may be difficult to diagnose because of its atypical clinical presentation. Delayed diagnosis can affect the quality and quantity of a patient's life. Increasing NPs' awareness about this rare condition through a case presentation and review of the literature emphasizes the major factors for accurate diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Knowledge of BCS can assist the NP in identifying this syndrome and making prompt, appropriate referrals.